A Taste of Paradise

by Dreena B.
(Alberta, Canada)

Palm Trees.

Beach.

Lunch time.

Mai Tai.

Since we were holidaying on a cruise ship, we island hopped and thus had one day in the port of Lahaina, Maui.

I travelled with my 8 year old son and had our day in Maui all mapped out. Our plan was to shop, spend time at a beach, eat lunch, and shop more. Needless to say, he doesn't fancy shopping, what boy does?! To make him happy and to keep him going without complaining, i promised him a shave ice, something we only get in Hawaii.

The beach was a 20 minute stroll from the cruise ship pier. We walked along Front Street passing by shops, palm trees, houses, exotic flowers and crossed the street to get to the beach area. It was a small, quiet beach in a little cove. Some people were already there enjoying the warm and calm shallow water. Perfect for families with small children. We built sand castles and swam. After two sunny and fun-filled hours, we headed back on Front Street to Kimo's Restaurant. I had wanted to go there and it did not disappoint! We both had a lovely fish lunch and a great Mai Tai - well, I did! You've got to come to Hawaii and have this drink! Fun that it was served in a Tiki-type glass.

Did some more browsing. A must in Hawaii is, of course, to try macadamia nuts. We purchased all kinds of flavours. My favourite is Maui Onion and Garlic. We also popped into the Honolulu Cookie Company. They give out lots of samples to try and we bought heaps of delicious shortbread cookies for us and for family back home. Our last stop before heading back onboard...a place for shave ice. My son was so pleased! By the end of our walk, we were stuffed with tasty treats!

Our port day was really a small "taste" of Maui, but one of my favourite memories. We hope to return for a longer stay.

Hi Dreena,

Thanks so much for sending in the great pics to go along with your story! Sounds like you really made the most of your stop in Lahaina.

My mouth is watering at the memory of those yummy Maui Mai Tai's now :) And I totally agree that those garlic and onion Mac nuts are soooo good - I buy them every chance I get.

The Honolulu Cookie Company is one place we haven't checked out yet... I'll have to add that to my to-do list since I have 2 little boys who adore cookies!